Constraints from the GW170817 merger event on the nuclear matter equation of state

TL;DR

This paper analyzes how the GW170817 neutron star merger constrains the nuclear matter equation of state by comparing observational data with theoretical models and universal relations.

Contribution

It provides a comparison of pressure-density relations from heavy-ion collisions and GW data, and calculates neutron star properties using various equations of state.

Findings

Neutron star radii are constrained between 12 and 13 km.

Universal relations for neutron star properties are confirmed.

Compatible equations of state are identified based on GW170817 constraints.

Abstract

The detection of the GW170817 neutron star merger event has incited an intense research activity towards the understanding of the nuclear matter equation of state. In this paper we compare in particular the pressure-density relation obtained from heavy-ion collisions with the analysis of the NS merger event. Moreover, we present recent calculations of neutron star's moment of inertia and tidal deformability using various microscopic equations of state for nuclear and hybrid star configurations, and confirm several universal relations. We also discuss the recent constraints for the NS radii determined by GW170817, and find compatible radii between 12 and 13 kilometers, thus identifying the suitable equations of state.